Clearwater Fire Medic Arrested for DUI, Resisting Arrest and Drug Possession
Andrew Leeth, age 36, was arrested by deputies from the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office on Tuesday, April 10, 2018.
Deputies say that they were flagged down about 6 p.m. by a concerned citizen in reference to an unresponsive motorist sitting behind the wheel of a 2001 Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck.
The Silverado truck was stopped at the traffic light in the eastbound turn lane on Boca Ciega Drive near the intersection of 75th Avenue in St Pete Beach.
Deputies made contact with the driver who was identified as Andrew Leeth. Deputies say Leeth was found unresponsive, slumped over in the driver seat of the pickup truck. The truck was in drive and there were no other occupants inside the vehicle.
Deputies noted Leeth showed signs of impairment by having bloodshot, glassy, and watery eyes and a distinct odor of an alcoholic beverage coming from his mouth. He admitted to drinking according to the arrest affidavit.
As a precaution for medical reasons, Leeth was transported to Palms of Pasadena Hospital by paramedics.
While awaiting medical clearance, deputies continued their criminal investigation at the hospital.
Leeth refused to submit a lawful sample of blood for the criminal investigation and removed his medical equipment in an attempt to leave the hospital.
Deputies say they ordered Leeth to stop but he refused. Leeth ran toward the hospital exit when deputies utilized an electronic control weapon (TASER) to stop Leeth and regain compliance. Leeth was taken into custody without further incident.
Leeth was arrested and charged with one count of Driving Under the Influence and one count of Resisting Arrest without Violence.
Leeth was also charged with one count of Possession of a Controlled Substance (cocaine) after he was found in possession of a white powdery substance that field tested positive for cocaine. The cocaine was reportedly found on the seat of the deputies vehicle where Leeth was seated.
He was transported to the Pinellas County Jail without incident.